Nevada Legislature: Lawmakers endorse DUI measure

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) " A key Senate panel voted Thursday for a bill that tightens Nevada laws to ensure that people convicted of drunken driving in urban areas attend meetings with victims or family or close friends of DUI victims.

Senate Judiciary members voted for AB209 after being told the victim-impact sessions must be part of the process, along with fines, possible jail time and other penalties, that drunken drivers undergo so that they don't continue to drink and drive.

The measure, already approved in the Assembly, now goes to the full Senate for a final legislative test.

Sandy Heverly of Las Vegas-based STOP DUI said AB209 makes clear that people attend the victim-impact sessions rather than be allowed by judges to watch an online video aimed at stopping drunken driving.

Heverly said the in-person sessions keep most people from repeat DUI offenses, while the online video approach doesn't work. She also said the videos are a way for those who produce the them to make "a quick buck."

Assemblyman Mark Manendo, D-Las Vegas, the bill's sponsor, said it gives judges the option of letting people convicted of DUIs skip a victim-impact session if one isn't available within 60 miles of their homes.